Technical Abstract:
Z-Trim is a new generation fat replacer. The Z of Z-Trim represents zero calories. It is derived from grain dietary fibers including corn, oat, pea, rice, soybean, and wheat. Gel fibers are obtained from grain fibers by complete disintegration of cellular structures in a multi-stage alkaline-peroxide shear treatment, followed by purification and drying. The obtained dried powder can then be rehydrated using shear for variations in gel smoothness and viscosity. Vigorous shear produces a viscosity of 4200 cP for a 3% Z-Trim corn bran fiber compared to 5 cP for starting corn bran. Z-Trim corn fiber gel has no taste, a smooth texture, and a water holding capacity of 22 compared to four for unmodified bran. Z-Trim oat fiber has similar hydration and viscosity properties as that from corn fiber, but clearly has different textural qualities. Z-Trim powder can be directly used in some applications by adding to a dry blended product an appropriate amount of water to give the desired final gel level. Alternatively, Z-Trim gel can be generated separately and then used to replace fat. Using either reconstitution procedure, the gel is incorporated on a volume-to-volume (or weight-to-weight) fat replacement level. Z-Trim can also be used to replace some glycemic materials (flour, starches, sugars, and syrups) which are now widely used to replace fat in low fat foods. Applications evaluated by trained taste panels include brownies and hamburgers. Accordingly, Z-Trim corn fiber produces a gel (5 grams of Z-Trim and 95 grams of water) which can easily replace 900 calories per day when used in a variety of foods.